VEREENIGING – After nearly two months of closure due to raw sewage flooding parts of its route, the Riviera on Vaal parkrun is finally making a comeback.

Earlier this week, organisers announced on Facebook: “Dear parkrunners, we are SUPER excited to announce that the Riviera on Vaal parkrun will be open on Saturday, 28 June!! See you at 08:00, for a long overdue parkrun reunion!!”

The weekly Saturday event, a favourite among local runners and walkers, was first suspended in May when sewage spills made sections of the trail unsafe. Despite some improvement noted in June, organisers had opted to keep the event on hold to ensure participants’ safety, with raw sewage still visible along parts of the footpath as recently as last week.

In a statement posted earlier this month, the team said: “Even though the situation of the sewage water on our route is looking much better, it is still not safe to open the parkrun. We really hope to return with better news next week.”

Their latest update signals that conditions have finally improved enough for a safe return.

Parkrunners are urged to check the event’s Facebook page for any last-minute updates and to arrive early for the 08:00 start.

The Riviera on Vaal parkrun is held weekly at the Riviera on Vaal Hotel grounds and typically attracts a lively crowd eager for fitness, fresh air and community spirit.